Numerical flexural strengthening investigation of timber-CFRP composite beams

Abstract

Timber is among the most important construction materials with unique characteristics in comparison with other materials for instance steel and concrete. It is one of the first sustainable materials and continues to be a favoured selection in the current infrastructure. In the last decade, to refine the mechanical properties of timber, structural elements reinforcing fiber polymers have developed. In this study, to improve the flexural properties of timber beams, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates are attached externally and internally between timber layers. For numerical simulations, first finite element model was validated according to the data obtained from experimental tests, then a series of simulations with different parameters were executed to investigate the flexural behaviour. The considered parameters include CFRP laminates’ existence and position. The linear elastic orthotropic material model was used to represent linear behaviour while the 3D anisotropic Hill material model was assumed to define the nonlinear behaviour of the material. Finite element simulations are executed by commercial software ABAQUS.